The Photocatalytic Treatment of Industrial Wastewater Using Semiconductor-Based Materials Fabrication and Modification Methods

Abstract

Water scarcity has been exacerbated in recent years due to factors including the expansion of industrialization and agricultural activities. The contaminants released by industries into surrounding water bodies include toxic aromatic molecules, dyes, and heavy metals, which upon consumption pose a threat to human life. The development of water treatment technologies and catalysts targeting these pollutants has thus emerged as a critical area of research and development. This chapter therefore focuses on providing comprehensive information on the application of metal oxide semiconductor photocatalysis for the treatment of a range of industrial pollutants. With focus mainly being on titanium dioxide (TiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), tin oxide (SnO2), cadmium oxide (CdO), and tungsten trioxide (WO3), the synthesis and modification methods for enhancement of the photocatalytic efficiencies of the semiconductor materials is discussed. Their physical, morphological, and optical properties are compared, and the mechanisms behind their activities are reported.